SJND News

Packaging executive Kevin Kelly, CEO of flexible packaging manufacturer Emerald Packaging Inc. in Union City, recently received the Western Plastics Association's highest honor, its 2013 Leo Shluker Award.
Kelly graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor's degree in political science and the London School of Economics with a master's degree in economics. He worked for nine years as a journalist with McGraw-Hill's BusinessWeek in the magazine's Los Angeles, Dallas and... read more

SJND Welcomes New Faculty and Staff to the Pilot Family

Post Date:

August 13th, 2019

As we usher in the 2019-2020 school year and embrace 130 new 9th graders, we are also excited to add new faculty and staff to our Pilot Family. These talented individuals come from a variety of impressive education and professional backgrounds, and even include some SJND Alums! A heartfelt "welcome" to all of our new faculty and staff, and welcome back to those returning home after some years away. We look forward to an excellent school year together!
______________________________________________________________________________________

Mrs. Anna Adams, Theology Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator
Mrs. Adams comes to SJND from Mercy High School in San Francisco, where she taught Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, and Health Care Ethics. She also served as the Theology Department Chair and Director of Christian Service. Prior to her time at Mercy High School, Anna served as the Campus Minister at St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga. Anna received a B.A. in English and Religious Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California, a M.A. in Theology from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and a Doctorate of Ministry (D. Min) in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Outside of her professional life, Anna enjoys music and plays bass in a band. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Mr. Carlos Arriaga, Athletic Director
Mr. Arriaga comes to SJND from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, where he served as the Associate Athletic Director since 2006. Prior to serving as the Associate Athletic Director, Carlos served as the Director of Transportation and Head Athletic Trainer. Carlos received his B.S. in Exercise Science- Biomechanics. Outside of his professional life, Carlos enjoys cooking, gardening, biking, golfing and fitness.

Ms. Leslie Bell, Math Teacher
Ms. Bell comes to SJND from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco, where she taught math for the past 19 years. Leslie taught all levels of math including Algebra Honors, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Probability/Statistics, Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry, Calculus, and Trigonometry. Leslie received a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Old Dominion University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco, and has a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. Outside of her professional life, Leslie enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her children.

Mrs. Kristina Braithwaite, Science Teacher
Mrs. Braithwaite comes to SJND from Bentley High School in Lafayette, where she taught a variety of Science courses including AP and Honors-level Biology, Biology, and Chemistry. Kristina also served as Junior and Senior Class Dean at Bentley, and coached the men’s and women’s Varsity tennis teams. Prior to her time at Bentley, Kristina taught Science at an international school in Sofia, Bulgaria. Kristina received a B.S. with Honors in Biology from Trinity College and minored in English Literature. She also received an M.S. in Educational Leadership from CSU East Bay in Hayward. Outside of her professional life, Kristina enjoys playing tennis and engaging in outdoor activities. Kristina will also serve as the moderator of SJND’s National Honor Society.

Mr. John Buzzard, Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Buzzard comes to SJND from Notre Dame University’s ACE, or Alliance for Catholic Education, credential and Master’s program. John received a B.A. in History from College of the Holy Cross with a minor in Education. He is originally from White Plains, NY where he was an Eagle Scout, Senior Patrol Leader, and an Eagle Scout Mentor. In college, John was a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team and co-hosted a Radio show called “The Dad Rock Hour."

Mrs. Myra Capulong, Campus Minister
Mrs. Capulong returns to SJND after serving as the Christian Morality teacher during the Fall of 2018. Prior to SJND, Myra served as the Religious Retreat Program Director at Notre Dame High School in Salinas, CA. She has earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and her M.A. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Outside of her professional life, Myra enjoys spending time with her two children and singing.

Mr. Chris Crisolo '99, Interim Assistant Principal of Student Life/Dean of Students
Mr. Crisolo, Class of 1999, returns to SJND after serving as the Dean of Student Culture/Activities Coordinator at The Academy of Alameda. Chris also served as the Student Life Coordinator at Island High School. One of Chris’ fondest SJND memories was attending Kairos as well as serving as a Kairos student leader. Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and baby.

Mr. Josh Hammer, Theology Teacher
Mr. Hammer comes to SJND from Holy Names University where he recently graduated from with a Single Subject Teaching Credential and a M.A. in Urban Education. He also received a B.A. in Liberal Studies and Religion from Holy Names University. Josh was an Upward Bound Instructor, designing and delivering curriculum focused on leadership and communication development. He served as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher at St. Elizabeth Elementary School, and also as a teacher intern at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. Josh is known as “the voice of the Hawk” at Holy Names University and assists with the marketing side of the athletic program. Outside of his professional life, Josh enjoys baseball (coaching), motivational speaking, and engaging in service in his community.

Ms. Abbie Harlow, Main Office Assistant
Ms. Harlow joins the SJND community after completing her M.F.A. in Creative Writing this past June. For the past seven summers, Abbie served as the office assistant at College Preparatory School in Oakland. In addition, Abbie has worked as a tutor at the Brigham Young University Writing Center. Abbie enjoys reading and hopes to be an author one day.

Mr. Nick Ratto '12, Learning Support Coordinator/Counseling Administrative Assistant
Mr. Ratto, Class of 2012, returns to SJND to join our Counseling team. After graduating from UC Davis with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Psychology, Nick served as an Academic Mentor in the Oakland Unified School District. He plans to pursue Counseling as a career path and is excited to learn from the SJND Counseling Team. Outside of his professional life, Nick still enjoys running and coached SJND’s Track and Field team this past Spring.

Ms. Maria Rosa, Bus Driver/Facilities Support
Ms. Rosa comes to SJND as our full-time bus driver and will assist as time permits with Facilities support. Maria is not new to SJND, however, as she worked during the 2018-19 school year as our contracted bus driver. She enjoys giving back and helping in her community, and spending time with her family. They love cooking together, taking road trips, and on Sunday mornings, they have Bible studies. She is blessed to have an amazing little boy named Israel (Izzy), soon to turn five, who is her special guy!

Mr. Michael Sandberg, Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Sandberg comes to SJND from Piedmont High School, where he taught AP European History, AP United States History, and Modern World History. Michael also taught 8th Grade U.S. History at Piedmont Middle School. Prior to Piedmont, Michael taught Ancient, United States, and World History at The Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek. Michael received a B.A. in History from UC Santa Barbara and a M.A. in History from Tufts University. He also holds a Massachusetts Secondary School Teaching Certificate as well as a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies. Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys photography, model building, computers, and travel.

Mrs. Sherry Scott, Theology Teacher
Mrs. Scott comes to SJND from St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School in Santa Clara, where she taught 6th-8th grade religion and served as the school’s religion coordinator. Prior to her time at St. Lawrence, Sherry was the Director of Faith Formation at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in San Jose. Sherry received a B.S. in Accounting and Modern Language from St. Francis University and a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University. Outside of her professional life, Sherry enjoys hiking and singing.

Mr. Michael Sunderland, English Teacher
Mr. Sunderland comes to SJND from Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, where he was a founding English teacher, taught 9th grade English, and served as the English Department Lead. Prior to his time at Cristo Rey, Michael taught AP English Literature, AP English Language, Creative Writing, Mythology, and a variety of English electives at Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, SD. Michael received a B.A. with a double major in English/Classics from College of the Holy Cross and a M.A. in English from Middlebury College. Michael also received teaching certificates in 5-8 Middle Level Education (Language Arts) and 7-12 Language Arts: Composition/Grammar from the South Dakota Department of Education. Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys Basketball, Chess, and Ping Pong.

Ms. Nicole Wong, Humanities Teacher and International Student Coordinator
Ms. Wong comes to SJND from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, where she taught World History and United States History and served as the assistant Speech and Debate coach. Prior to her time at SHCP, Nicole taught Social Studies at Mercy High School and also worked closely with their International Student population. Nicole received a B.A. in History with an emphasis in U.S. History from UC Davis and minored in Asian History Education. She holds Clear California Subject Teaching Credentials in Social Studies and English, as well as a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate. Nicole will also serve as the Speech and Debate Coach at SJND.

Ms. Anne Yoon, Science Teacher
Ms. Yoon comes to SJND from Mercy High School in Red Bluff, where she taught Geometry, Statistics, Algebra II, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Theology classes. Anne was a member of the PACE program, which stands for Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education. Her initial placement out of the PACE program was at Saint Joseph School in Redding. Anne graduated from Saint Louis University with a B.A. in Chemistry and two minors in Spanish and Philosophy, and received a M.A. in Teaching from the University of Portland along with an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License. Outside of her professional life, Anne enjoys outdoor activities like running, hiking, and going to festivals.